The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-01
CHICAGO'SCARTER HARRISON
The Great Man Once More SOlemnly
Declines the Democratic Nomination,
But Will Graciously Consent to Save the City
from Ruin if the Republicans Will With
draw Roche and Substitute Harrison.

CHICAGO, March 3I-There was more fuss
made over the subcommittee Of five by the
Democrats to-day than over the fifty yesterday.
To ATTEMPT to find members Of that party this
morning was like trying to choose after each one
of a flock of quail had been scattered by the re-
port Of a gun. Toward noon, however, they got
together, and began firtations with two
semi Democratic newspapers in an effort to OBJ
tain pledge of support for some ticket before
1t should be recommended to the committee of
fifty. Late this afternoon report was started
that the subcommittee lad seen Carter Harri
and that he would be the nominee
OF tie fourth Democratic convention.
When confronted with this rumor the
Mayor replied: "Oh, good God. can't you let3a
tired, jaded, weary old man rest2 I am out of
politics and am going to stay out. 'Spose you
saw the statement that / was going to run in a
newspapers Isn't that conclusive evidence that
it's a lie? Last night heard from the commit
tee that il certain papers could be got to agree
on a ticket it would probably be elected. That
may have given rise to the rumor, but there's
big if in the woodple, you see."
There are thirty adherents of Harrison on
the committee, while there are but thirteen
members who are known to be opposed to him.
When the nominating committee had assem-
bled, this evening. Mayor Harrison entered the
room alone. The subcommittee of FIVE re-
ported that, notwithstanding their untiring
search, they had been unable to find a suitable
Democrat in the city who would accept the
partys nomination for the mayoralty. They
had reached almost every body and could make
r n a M yado ynna
Chairman Wentworth said there was present a
distinguished and trusted leader, whose banner
they had often followed to victory, and who
would now be able to again command success if
ne would but consent If there was no objection
he would put motion to make Mr. Harrison
their nominee.
The response was a unanimous and enthu-
slastc Affirmative. but hush fell upon the COM
mlttee as Mayor Harrison arose, and, after
briefly reviewing his official record. the lack Of
encouragement be had received from persons
high In the party. and the opposition to him by
the entire press of the city, declined outright
and for the third time. Before resumlng his
seat, Mr. Harrison said the Republican papers
had been calling upon the Democratic party to
put up ticket, if only to save the city from
sociastc Mayor-their way of referring to Nell
son, the Union Labor candidate If the Repub-
licans wanted this, then let them withdraw
Roche, and put on their ticket Carter Harrison
lcheers and astonishmentl. and he would beat
Nelson by 5000 votes. If the Democratic party
organization. all right. but they should
not run it to help the Republicans. You can
not ask Harrison to lead a fororn hope" cried
the Mayor. when Harrison runs he runs to
win. He runs TO be elected, not to elect Mr..
Roche. If Mr.. Nelson is to be elected, let those
who brought it on be responsible. 1t is not us
short pairs who have broken a Democratic ad-
ministration." AS between Roche and Nelson,
Mr.. Harrison favored Nelson, the Labor candi-
date Nelson would last only for a time--two
years-while the Republican machine, once in
Office. could NOT be ousted. II the Labor party
had been wise, and had not partly submitted to
the Socialists they could have elected their
Mayor with ease. If the citizens of Chicago,
irrespective of party, should say to him run"
he would do SO, not as a Republican, but he
would run, and De Democrat STILL
Mr.. Harrison then left the room. After the
conference had recovered somewhat from their
surprise, Chairman Lowenthal made speech
warmly favoring a citizens movement The
Republicans knew they would be defeated if
they did not withdraw Roche; if they would
take the risk the Democrats could. He moved
the appointment of an executive committee of
five to confer with represen tatives of a citizens
organization should one develop. There a
pause; the motion was carried, and the Democ-
racy adjourned sine die.